The Star Online (15/12/2018) - SIBU: Small-scale oil palm planters in Sarawak, affected by the low price for the commodity, are appealing to the government to help them survive in the industry.

A group of about 10 smallholders in the central region have asked PKR and DAP representatives to present their case to Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok.

They had a dialogue session with Kanowit PKR chief George Chen and DAP’s Pelawan and Bukit Assek assemblymen David Wong and Irene Chang, respectively.

Also present was representative from Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Sebli Mohamad.

Wong said the price of the commodity was far below cost price per metric tonne and that it had become increasingly difficult for smallholders to maintain their plantations.

Chen said they had drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the smallholders which would be forwarded to the minister.

Among the matters of concern was the need for smallholders to obtain the Certification of Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) from MPOB.

“MSPO has been facing a problem as more than 95% of the small holders’ oil palms are planted on native customary rights land which has no titles.

“MPOB and the state government must speed up the certification process to help the smallholders,” he said.

The MoU also called on MPOB and the ministry to carry out workshops and training sessions for the smallholders to enhance Good Agriculture Practice in order to increase their output and improve oil extraction rate.

The smallholders also want the government to give them special discount vouchers to buy fertiliser and other pest and disease control items including herbicides.

Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/12/15/oil-palm-planters-seek-help/#5PPyFw0qVqxyhXYD.99